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Hi all,

Just wondering if it is worth buying this book as I already have TDP and Confessions of a Conjuror? I would like to buy it, but the sensible part of my brain suggests that it's probably not worth the money if the contents are similar to the two resources I've mentioned. Am I right in thinking that the contents are similar?

Thanks, cc100

The topic has been discussed several times (for example ftopic42403.php ) and the common answer seems to be no: it was worth at name price, but now it costs way too much. Notice that I don't have neither Pure Effect nor Absolute Magic, but I know that they are sensibly different from Confessions (which is a laymen book). Apparently, since you already own TDP, you have already what's worth the price by Derren Brown for magicians. If you are interested in books for the general public, though, I found Tricks of the mind highly entertaining (more than Confessions) and certainly worth the purchase. It also has a nice reading list at the end (but don't expect magic related references that you cannot find everywhere on this forum).

I already have TOTM, you're right it is a very informative and entertaining book. What I meant by mentioning Confessions of a Conjuror is that is describes the 3 card routine, which is also in Pure Effect (though I'm sure in more detail). Thanks for the advice Miko.

My pleasure, but you have to thank the many people on this forum who have dissected the problem and probably allowed you to save several hundred ponds

The problem with Pure Effect is that its unavailability has shrouded it in mystery with many erroneously believing it to contain the secrets to all of Derren's best work.

Its an entertaining read and contains a few effects which, if I'm honest, feel pretty dated now.

Absolute Magic would be a better find as it centres on showmanship and creation, similar in style to Paul Brook's excellent Alchemical Tools (highly recommended).

Confessions of a Conjuror?....I'd sooner read the back of a Girls Aloud DVD.

I'm probably in the smallest possible minority here, but I really enjoyed Confessions of a Conjurer. That said I paid £4 in The Works for it, it's difficult to extrapolate my feelings towards it if I'd paid £17.99.

I presented my copy of Pure Effect to Derren for autographing. His immediate reaction was: "Good lord, you weren't silly enough to pay eBay prices for that?" He was much relieved when I said I'd bought it at list price when it came out.

So there's the opinion of the man himself.

Grimshaw wrote:The problem with Pure Effect is that its unavailability has shrouded it in mystery with many erroneously believing it to contain the secrets to all of Derren's best work.

Its an entertaining read and contains a few effects which, if I'm honest, feel pretty dated now.

Agree with the first part...not sure about the second. Apart from perhaps a few currency changes...what do you think is dated?

Heckler wrote:I'm probably in the smallest possible minority here, but I really enjoyed Confessions of a Conjurer. That said I paid £4 in The Works for it, it's difficult to extrapolate my feelings towards it if I'd paid £17.99.

Don't get me wrong: I liked it too, I simply liked TOTM best...

Absolute Magic is a lot better for you. It'll present new ways to consider what makes for good performance.